Turkey's military replaces suspected Islamist officers
ANKARA — Turkey has again reshuffled its military command.
The Turkish military has replaced commanders of the air force and
navy, and dismissed 23 officers deemed as promoting an
Islamic agenda.
The changes in the General Staff took place during a four-day meeting by
the Supreme Military Council last week, Middle East Newsline reported. The council, chaired by Prime
Minister Recep Erdogan, decides on major appointments as well as dismissals
of Islamist or ill-disciplined officers.
The General Staff has named Gen. Aydogan Babaolgu as the new air force
commander. Babaolgu replaced retiring air force chief Gen. Faruk Comert.
Adm. Muzaffer Metin Atac was promoted to Turkish Navy commander. Atac
succeeded retiring Adm. Yener Karahanoglu.
Other retirements included First Army commander Gen. Fethi Remzi Tuncel,
Aegean Army commander Gen. Sukru Sarisik and Training and Doctrinal Command
chief Gen. Orhan Yoney. Third Army commander Gen. Ismail Kocman was
appointed to head the First Army.
Three out of seven lieutenant generals from the Land Forces Command were
promoted to the rank of general. They were identified as Seventh Army
commander Lt. Gen. Cahit Sarsilmaz, Fifth Army Corps commander Lt. Gen.
Metin Yavuz Yalcin and Second Army Corps commander Lt. Gen. Hayri Guner.
Chief of General Staff Gen. Yasar Buyukanit and Land Forces Commander
Gen. Ilker Basbug remained in their posts for the next year. Deputy Chief of
Staff Gen. Ergin Saygun also remained in his position.
Military sources said the council's appointments indicated the next
chief of staff. They said Land Forces Commander Gen. Ilker Basbug was
expected to become chief of staff in 2008 and followed by Gendarmerie
Commander Gen. Isik Kosaner in 2010.
In another decision, the council dismissed 23 officers for Islamic
activities and lack of discipline. The General Staff said the officers had
been accused of "reactionary activities."
